Dr. Gaia Georgopoulos - What is Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery?

What is pediatric orthopedic surgery?

Pediatric orthopedic surgeons can treat children from the newborn stage through the teenage years. They diagnose, treat, and manage children's musculoskeletal problems including, early onset scoliosis, hip dysplasia, and clubfoot. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons have extensive and comprehensive training, and expertise in treating children’s orthopedic disorders.

Early Onset Scoliosis is diagnosed in children younger than 10 years of age. It’s more common in children with neuromuscular disorders and genetic syndromes, and affects boys and girls equally. Children with early onset scoliosis have many years of growth ahead of them. Treatment for this condition is focused on controlling an increase of the curve while allowing the spine and chest to grow.

Hip Dysplasia is believed to develop around birth, although it can affect anyone at any age. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint has not developed properly and the socket is too shallow. A child with mild dysplasia may not have symptoms for years, or even decades. When diagnosed in adolescents, it’s sometimes called acetabular dysplasia. Hip dysplasia can be treated through non-surgical and surgical treatments with structured physical therapy.

Clubfoot refers to a range of foot abnormalities usually present at birth in which a baby's foot is twisted out of shape or position. The tissues connecting the muscles to the bone are shorter than usual. If your child has clubfoot, it will make it harder to walk normally. This condition is typically treated soon after birth. Clubfoot can be treated successfully without surgery, although children may need follow-up surgery later on.